Donna Downs

Donna Ruth Parrish Downs, 90, of Benton, KY, passed away at 9:00 pm Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Lake Way Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Donna was born in Paducah, KY on March 16, 1927 to O.L. and Retha Parrish. She was a mother, homemaker, and also bookkeeper for Ed Downs & Son, Inc. A longtime and devoted member of Reidland United Methodist Church, she shared her love of music by volunteering as an organist, pianist and choir member. She and her husband, Joe Ed Downs, enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage and treasured their two daughters, Kay and Cathy. They were members of the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Laughing, Souls) group at church and had an active social life that included a tightly knit circle of friends that played dominos, vacationed, and golfed together. Donna enjoyed sewing and reading. Her friends and family also benefited from her wonderful cakes, cookies, and especially her chocolate pies. She will be remembered as a loving, caring person, with a compassionate heart and lively wit.

Ms. Downs is survived by her daughters, Kay Robertson and husband Fred, of Benton, KY, and Cathy Thompson and husband Greg, of Morristown, TN; her sister, Laverne Pierce, of Benton, KY; her granddaughters, Ellie Thompson Amador and Megan Robertson Crabtree and husband Michael; and her great granddaughter, Emery Claire Amador.

Ms. Downs was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, her parents, O.L. Parrish and Retha Reed Parrish; and her sister, Wanda Parrish.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Monday, June 19, 2017 at Reidland United Methodist Church, with Rev. Sky McCracken officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Reidland United Methodist Church, 5515 Reidland Rd., Paducah, KY 42003